Flexor & Extensor Tendon Injuries

What is A Flexor & Extensor Tendon Injury?

DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis, also called Mommy’s Thumb, affects the tendons of the wrist closest to the thumb.

Common Causes:

• • Cuts on the arm, hand, or fingers
  • Certain sports activities can cause flexor tendon injuries.
  • Certain health conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, for example) weaken the flexor tendons and make them more likely to tear.

Common symptoms of Flexor and Extensor Tendon Injuries may include:

• • Inability to move one or more fingers
  • Forearm and/or hand tenderness and pain
  • Fingertip numbness

Patients who lacerate their forearm or hand and experience these symptoms should see an Orthopedic Physicians Alaska (OPA) Hand Specialist.

When you arrive for your initial consultation, an Orthopedic Physicians Alaska (OPA) Hand Specialist will evaluate your areas of concern, discuss your symptoms, and develop a customized and comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This evaluation is a necessary part of diagnosing your condition and providing the best possible care.

A step-by-step approach is used for tendon injuries:

• • A medical history review that includes checking for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis risk factors is obtained
  • A complete physical examination of the thumb, including strength and range of motion tests, is performed
  • Multiple view x-rays are ordered and reviewed to confirm the presence and determine the severity of arthritis

Once an official diagnosis is made, a customized treatment plan is prescribed. Treatment plans decrease symptoms as quickly as possible.

Common Treatments:

Partially torn tendons may be treated with nonsurgical treatment options:

Completely torn tendons may need to be surgically repaired. During a tendon repair procedure, Our physicians use sutures to carefully attach torn tendon ends. A custom-made splint is worn after your surgery to prevent the tendons from stretching. Hand therapy is an important part of the recovery process. Our physician and a hand therapist work together to track your progress and slowly allow you to return to normal activities.